Japan
Industrial Safety and Health Act Changes
Impact date: Within three years from 14 May 2025 Within three years from 14 May 2025, workplaces with fewer than 50 workers employed on an ongoing basis will be required to conduct stress checks and provide medical interviews for employees with high stress levels. When deemed necessary after considering a physician's opinion, measures such as changing the workplace, switching tasks, shortening working hours, or reducing the number of late-night work shifts must be taken, taking into account the actual circumstances of the worker.
Employer implications/action needed Employers should establish internal rules regarding implementation methods and other matters.
Employer risk If an employer fails to conduct stress checks and this results in employee mental health issues, then the employer may have civil liability for violating its duty of care to ensure employee safety.
Industrial Safety and Health Act changes
Impact date: 1 April 2026 From 1 April 2026, employers are required to make efforts to implement the following necessary measures to prevent workplace accidents involving older workers:
- improvement of the work environment to prevent occupational accidents caused by physical decline of older workers
- understanding the health and physical condition of older workers
- measures tailored to the health and physical condition of older workers by reducing working hours, decreasing the number of late-night shifts, and changing tasks, etc.
- provide thorough training and education to workers regarding risks associated with older workers
Employer implications/action needed Employers should take steps to comply with the amended law.
Industrial Safety and Health Act
Impact date: 1 October 2026 Employers will be obliged to take measures necessary to protect their employees from actions by the employer’s clients that harm the employees’ working environment (such as extreme complaints, violence against employees or any other actions defined as “harassment by customers”).
Employer implications/action needed Employers should take steps to comply with the amended law.
Employer risk Failure to comply with the new regulations may result in informal counsel, administrative guidance, or a formal corrective recommendation, and failure to comply with such a recommendation may result in public disclosure of the employer’s non-compliance.
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